Beloved Family
Dwight Burnett passed away on October 5, 2026. We share these stories to celebrate a wonderful man we deeply love.
Dwight was born in Kidder, Missouri on August 12, 1957 to Floyd and Nova (Thompson) Burnett. He was the youngest of five siblings: three older sisters—Barbara, Kay, and Reta—and one brother, Duane. He had great friends in school that he loved being with. He also later had brothers-in-laws and a sister-in-law he looked at as true brothers and sisters. Dwight had two daughters and two sons, many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, grandchildren, extended family, and a cat named Nicki.
Dwight was a fun person to be around--loyal and true.
From entertaining nieces and nephews by swinging them around with the help of his brother to giving rides to the kids on his motorcycle, he always made life joyful. One time, he even offered a ride to our Great Aunt Grace on his bike. It was after church at the farm. She had a dress on and pantyhose. She needed a ride home, and he came to the rescue. It was hilarious to see them ride off into the wind with our Great Aunt Grace clinging to his waist! He always made people feel safe and protected, especially family.
Dwight thoroughly enjoyed Chiefs games with his son...
“I will always treasure the memories of watching Chiefs games with Dwight. He was a lifelong, devoted fan, and his love of the game never faded after his own playing days were over. I loved hearing his stories about going to games in the ’70s, when the team was struggling so badly, they could hardly give tickets away. I’m especially grateful that he got to see the Chiefs enjoy so much success in recent years. Those game-day memories will always hold a special place in my heart. Watching the Chiefs won’t be the same without him, but I know he’ll be watching from above, proudly cheering them on from the best seat in the house.”
Classmates and family agree that he was a great athlete. He was a force to be reckoned with on the football field and at any track event.
As a nephew shared, “I remember going to football games and watching Dwight play--he was one incredible running back, and his {70s hair} was so big he could hardly get his helmet on!”
Dwight was All-Conference and All-District. He served as a tri-captain of the football team and kept active in the Sportsmanship Club.
In his senior season, the Dragons took the Midland Empire--MEH Championship. Dwight #46 muscled his way in from the one-yard line with :59 seconds left in play to clinch the game-winning touchdown.
Dwight was in it to win it and knew he couldn’t have done it without his great team, which held a perfect record and a crown loop. Many do not know this, but Dwight was offered a full scholarship to the University of Missouri. While he didn’t seize the opportunity, he always treasured his incredible team camaraderie and happiness on the field.
Dwight also excelled in track and field in shot put, discus, and the 220-yard dash. He and track star teammates won the 880-yard Quadrangular. He was a faithful member of C Club.
Dwight was not only athletic, but he was also quite intelligent. He was in the National Honor Society. A best friend once said that “Dwight was a walking Encyclopedia Britannica.”
He knew facts and figures that are not common knowledge, yet they were always on the tip of his tongue. In science, he and a classmate were chosen to operate the Moon Rover, which was quite a unique experience.
Dwight was also very musical. As a member of Symphonic Band, he played trumpet and passed on this talent to his nephews.
Dwight loved his friends in high school. He was in the Class of 1975.
One of his best buddies shared awesome insights into Dwight. He said, “Dwight was as good as they come. We had some really great times together.”
His friend continued, “In Shop class, we used palm sanders for wood projects...somebody took his sander, and Dwight told the bully to give it back. The guy swung at him and missed, and Dwight took one swing and knocked him out for the count. He never messed with Dwight or any of us again! Dwight didn’t start anything but stood up for the underdog.”
Dwight cared about the community. He and his brother hosted Midwest Youth Farmer gatherings including hayrides, a cookout, and more on the family farm.
In school, he was a member of Future Teachers of America. He was also a teacher in the family. One nephew remembered a valuable lesson when Dwight stayed with him and his cousin roommate. They had a wonderful, peaceful visit—so much love, laughter, and comfort filled the room.
“Dwight was a pleasant, peaceful man. He might have been built like a brick. But he had a gentle kindness and would stand up for justice and for what is right. Dwight influenced how I treat young adults in my profession working with college students.”
Dwight was a very hard worker, auto painting and fine finishing, attending General Motors Training School, and doing auto body work for Andy Kline Pontiac. He then owned Burnett Concrete, LLC. He worked later in life on the dock at Sam’s Club--he served faithfully.
Dwight was generally a very happy, easy-going guy. His cousin recognized and recalled his awesome smile every time. “The day he died,” she said, “I saw that smile, conveying how free and happy he is now.”
Dwight took care of family and people. He also took care of cars, as his nephew said, “He had a love of cars and painting them. I recall at a Sunday dinner at grandma’s, two young boys (no names needed), got into the old frig in the shop and removed several eggs and proceeded to bust them on Dwight’s beloved hot rod! Wow, sparks flew!” But he forgave his very young nephews who thought it was a fun game at the time. Multiple people remember this story. And Dwight laughed about the incident with family over the years.
Another nephew shared that there were so many memorable experiences with Dwight. One of them is his skills in the kitchen. “I remember a Thanksgiving family celebration when he baked a really yummy apple pie! It sure was good in the ole tummy. Another special experience was painting furniture for our son and daughters’ bedrooms, and it was quite a surprise how he delivered while we were traveling to adopt, and everything turned out remarkably, just like Dwight is wonderfully remarkable. Will miss you, Dwight!”
His Grandson shared, “I love my grandpa, and I loved every moment I got to spend with him. He always brought a smile to everyone’s face. I was holding his hand when he passed.”
Dwight recently had a heart-to-heart phone call with a niece about scriptures he remembered from childhood. He said one of his favorites is 1 Corinthians 13:13, which states: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” One thing is certain: Dwight knew how to love deeply, and he will always be deeply loved by all of us. He is eternally Our Beloved Family!
At this time, no service is planned per his request.
